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Thousands of old, draughty, uninsulated homes across Greece could be
set for an energy-efficient makeover under a new programme to be introduced
this autumn.

Announcing the measures on July 28, Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis
said that they would greatly contribute to the country meeting a number
of its long-term energy-saving targets, detailed in the national energy
efficiency plan, by 2020.

The measures, the minister hopes, will aid Greece's overall effort
to become more energy efficient - reducing carbon dioxide emissions
by 4 percent, producing 18 percent of gross energy output from renewable
sources and cutting energy consumption by a fifth.

By providing cash grants and tax breaks to the owners of homes built
before 1980, when regulations on thermal insulations were introduced,
the Saving at Home programme will cover five types of renovation
work.

The new measures some on the heels of other development ministry green
initiatives, such as the legalisation of rooftop solar-panel electricity
production, and a scheme to replace air conditioners.

"A combination of age, a lack of protection from the external
environment and a lack of environmental awareness in housing design
have made Greek homes the most energy-heavy in Europe," said the
minister, who added that only 30 percent of homes in Greece have insulation.

Greek homes consume just under one-third of the country's energy, one
of the highest rates in the EU. Moreover, 60 percent of the average
household energy consumption is for heating.

The owners of houses with an objective value of less than 1,500 euros
per m2 will be entitled to upgrade their homes. Homeowners in most
of the Greek countryside and parts of Attica, including the whole of
western Athens, Piraeus and some other municipalities, may apply for
grants.

Homeowners whose properties are of greater value will be entitled to
tax incentives, the details of which will be announced by the Finance
Ministry at a later date.

The total cost of the two-year programme will be in the region of 1
billion euros, 400,000 euros of which will come in the form of direct
state subsidies. According to the ministry, this amount will cover
approximately 100,000 households or 400,000 people.

What's covered?

The two-year programme, which will commence on
November 1, will provide subsidies for five different categories
of work. Those marked with asterisks are compulsory.